Chapter 20: The Call
The soft glow of morning filtered through the worn curtains, casting warm lines across the bed. Sam stirred awake at the faint vibration on the mattress. His senses returned slowly, and he realized Emmy was curled against him, her head resting gently on his chest, her breath even and warm.
A phone buzzed nearby, persistent and shrill against the quiet.
He blinked and looked around. It wasn't his phone.
"Emmy," he murmured, nudging her softly. "Your phone's ringing."
She groaned and blinked her eyes open. When she realized how close she was to him, her cheeks flushed with heat. She quickly pulled away, brushing her hair back in an effort to compose herself.
"S-Sorry," she whispered, then grabbed the phone. Her expression changed when she saw the screen. "It's my mom."
She answered quickly. "Hello? Mom?"
"Emmy! Thank God! I was so worried," her mother cried on the other end, her voice tight with panic and relief. "Are you okay? Are you hurt? What's happening over there? Do you have food? Shelter?"
"Calm down, Mom. I'm fine," Emmy said gently. "We've formed a group here at the university. We've secured buildings, and we have enough food to last at least three to four months."
Sam leaned quietly against the wall, alert but silent, listening in. His enhanced hearing easily caught every word.
"What about the rest of the city?" Emmy asked.
"Your father and I made it to Bustin. There's a military camp nearby—they're organizing rescue operations. We ranked up to Tier 2 a few days ago. Emmy, things are dangerous. The zombies are evolving... but honestly, people are worse."
There was a pause. Then her mom's tone softened.
"Stay close to that Sam boy. The one you mentioned before. He sounds like a good one."
Emmy glanced at Sam, then hesitated. She got up and walked to the bathroom doorway for a bit more privacy.
"Mom... I'm dating Sam."
A heavy silence followed.
"...What?" her mother finally said, confused but not angry.
"It's not what it sounds like. We've been through a lot. He's saved me—more than once. I trust him completely." She then told them about Sam and her relationship
"I believe you," her mom said after a breath. "Just... be careful. The world we knew is gone. Everything's changed."
Then, a deeper voice interrupted.
"Let me talk to him. Switch to video."
"Dad?" Emmy and her mom didn't expected their talks were heard by her Dad nearby
"Yes. I want to see him."
Emmy sighed and returned to the room, holding out the phone. "Sam, my dad wants a video call. With you."
Sam raised an eyebrow. "Alright."
He took the phone and turned the camera on. Her father's strong features filled the screen—calm, stern, and very much in command.
"Hello, sir," Sam said.
Emmy's father, Roy Tinker, inquired about Sam's life and family. Sam responded humbly and respectfully.
"Sam," Roy said with authority. "I don't know you, and I don't give trust easily. But my daughter is the most important thing in our lives. She trusts you, and for now, that's enough. I expect you to protect her. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir," Sam replied evenly. "I'll protect her with everything I have."
Roy narrowed his eyes, then gave a short nod. "Good. I'll hold you to that."
He stepped back from the camera, leaving the call active. Emmy appeared again, sliding onto the bed next to Sam, clearly relieved.
"That went better than expected," Sam said with a small grin.
"You're lucky. He looked ready to jump through the screen," Emmy's mom replied, half-laughing.
Her mom's face returned on the screen. "Before you go, Emmy... don't depend on Sam for Everything understand "
Emmy puffing up "Actually... I unlocked my status panel last night."
Her mom's eyes widened. "Really? That's amazing! What level are you now?"
"Level 11," Emmy said proudly. "I have 36 free points. My mana stat is at 29, and I'm planning to use them today before we go out on a mission."
"Incredible!" her mom beamed. "You're advancing fast."
From the background, her father muttered something approving.
"And... I also summoned my companion," Emmy added, her voice lifting with excitement.
"Lumi," Emmy called gently. The small serpent slithered up to her shoulder, coiling beside her as she smiled at the screen. "This is her. She's a Zephyr Snake—white scales with a light purple shimmer and bright blue eyes."
Seeing Lumi, Ira also transformed into a snake-like form and climbed on Sam's sholder.
"You two have similar pets?" her father asked, puzzled.
"No, Dad," Emmy said with a smile. "Ira is a metal slime. She can change shape easily."
Emmy explained to her parents how Sam helped her summon Lumi, how Lumi could glide short distances, and how quiet and loyal she was. She also described how Ira, Sam's metal slime companion, could shift into various weapons—blades, hammers, and even shields.
Her parents listened quietly.
Then Emmy's tone shifted. "Mom... Dad... have you heard anything about Lily?"
The silence on the other end was immediate and heavy. Her mother's expression grew tight.
"The last time we heard from her," she said softly, "she had just reached Rank 2. She's in a similar situation. Some teachers and students cleared space in a lecture hall. Luckily, there had been an event scheduled nearby, so they had access to food from temporary food courts. But the network in that zone is unstable—we've only exchanged a few voice messages."
Her dad leaned into the camera again. "We're doing everything we can to reach her. You just stay alive. That's all I ask."
Emmy swallowed, nodding through the lump in her throat. "Please tell me the moment you hear anything."
"We will," her mom said gently. "And no matter what, Emmy—we're proud of you."
"So proud," her dad added.
The call ended.
Emmy sat in silence, soaking in the quiet. Her emotions were heavy, but her heart felt steadier.
"So," she murmured, turning to Sam. "They know everything now. My level. Lumi. You. Even about Lily."
"Your sister might be ahead of you," Sam teased with a smirk.
"Not for long," she said, pouting. "But I think they're getting used to surprises."
Right on cue, Lumi slithered down from her shoulder, gliding toward the blanket on the floor. She yawned wide and nestled herself into the folds.
"She's adorable," Sam said. "But watch this."
Ira, not to be outdone, mimicked Lumi and curled up beside her.
Emmy laughed. "You two are such attention seekers."
"They'll be sparring by tomorrow," Sam replied with a grin.
They took turns cleaning up and preparing for the day—Emmy in the bathroom, Sam by the window. The soft sounds of movement beyond the room reminded them that the world hadn't paused.
But for now, in this small pocket of quiet, they had something rare: strength, trust, and the hope that even in chaos, something good could still grow.